Faculty, staff and students gathered at Rice University’s Memorial Chapel Nov. 11 to honor members of the university community who have served in the military. The gathering marked Rice’s 22nd anniversary for the annual Veterans Day Ceremony, featuring performances, guest speakers and recognition for service.
The Mini MOB kicked off the commemoration with the fanfare “Tribute to the Armed Forces,” arranged by former Marching Owl Band director Ken Dye to include the U.S. Armed Forces’ theme songs in a spirited medley.
Joshua Hurt, a talent development specialist and Air Force veteran, emceed the
ceremony and welcomed guests with an affirmation of Rice’s reverence for veterans.
“We would like to acknowledge and thank the university for its commitment to hire veterans like myself and many of you in the audience today,” Hurt said. “The positions held by veterans include skilled trades, managers, lecturers, faculty and postdocs, among others. Rice currently employs over 135 veterans, and we continue our efforts to bring more veterans to our university every day.”
Hurt also pointed out the POW/MIA Missing Man Table in the room, which is an empty table set for one and reserved to honor missing service members. Additionally, Lydia Hanje, a graduate student from the Shepherd School of Music, played taps, and fellow musician Hanna Frampton ’24 performed the national anthem.
President Reginald DesRoches addressed the audience, expressing gratitude for the veterans who contribute to the university community.
“Veterans remind us that service is not simply an act — it’s a way of life,” DesRoches said. “It’s about character, integrity, resilience and the belief that we can leave the world a better place.”
DesRoches mentioned the success of keynote speaker Steve Jimenez ’22, a Marine Corps veteran who holds a master’s degree from the Jones Graduate School of Business and is the founder of Hives for Heroes.
Created in 2018, the nonprofit is dedicated to transforming lives through beekeeping. What began as one hive in Houston has grown into the largest beekeeping network in the United States, uniting more than 10,000 members and managing more than 100,000 hives across all 50 states.
Jimenez highlighted the work of Hives for Heroes, describing it as a powerful example of continued service beyond the battlefield.
He shared his personal journey from combat deployments in Afghanistan to finding healing through beekeeping after struggling with depression and a loss of purpose.
“Given the trauma from my transition, I should have been dead 10 times over, but in 2018 beekeeping saved my life,” Jimenez said.
He explained how Hives for Heroes connects veterans, first responders and communities through the practice of beekeeping, promoting connection, purpose, relationships and service — values he compared to CPR for the soul.
“Connection began in silence,” Jimenez said. “Standing before a beehive, I found calm in the chaos. Like the bees, I realized I was part of something larger — something worth protecting.”
Jimenez challenged the audience to find purpose and community through service.
“Whatever your gift is, the world needs it,” he said. “Our heroes are needed, and our mission is not over.”
The ceremony concluded with a recognition of veterans in attendance from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces as attendees applauded.
This year, the university honored retired Sgt. 1st Class Kaz Karwowski, an Army veteran and executive director of the Rice Center for Engineering Leadership. He received a ceremonial flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in recognition of his service to the country and to Rice.
“When I joined Rice 13 years ago, I never thought I’d end up receiving this,” Karwowski said. “I appreciate this community and all who continue to serve.”
Following the ceremony, guests were invited for refreshments outside the chapel with a special luncheon for veterans held at Rice Stadium.
To learn more about the services offered to service members and veterans at Rice, visit military.rice.edu.